North Carolina (NEWS RELEASE) - Average retail gasoline prices in North Carolina have risen 13.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.48/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 12.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.47/g, according to gasoline price website NorthCarolinaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in North Carolina during the past week, prices yesterday were 77.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 42.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 36.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 73.6 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Oil prices rose to a fresh 2-1/2 year high early Monday, climbing above $106 a barrel, as the violence in Libya continues to unsettle the market.

The benchmark U.S. contract, West Texas Intermediate, for April delivery was up $2.26, or 2.1%, to $106.68 a barrel. Oil prices are currently trading at the highest levels since September 2008.

Oil prices rose nearly 7% last week as fighting between rebels and forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi escalated. The weeks-long conflict showed no sign of abating Monday, with death toll estimates now ranging from more than 1,000 to as many as 2,000.

The International Energy Agency estimated Friday that roughly 1 million barrels per day of Libyan oil have been taken off the world market so far, even as some crude shipments have resumed. Libya exported 1.6 million barrels per day in 2010.

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